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Journal of Medical Case Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Case report

Sternoclavicular joint infection caused by Coxiella burnetii: a case report

Authors: Emmanouil Angelakis, Simon-Djamel Thiberville, Matthieu Million, Didier Raoult

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

Few cases of Q fever osteoarticular infection have been reported, with chronic osteomyelitis as the most common manifestation of Q fever osteoarticular infection. Here we present the case of a sternoclavicular joint infection caused by Coxiella burnetii and localized by positron emission tomography scanning.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old French man from south France was hospitalized for fever and confusion. An examination revealed subclavicular and axillary lymph node enlargement. Computed tomography scanning and transesophageal echocardiogram were normal, and magnetic resonance imaging scanning did not reveal signs of infection. An immunofluorescence assay of an acute serum sample was positive for C. burnetii and he was treated with 200 mg doxycycline for 21 days. An immunofluorescence assay of convalescent serum sampled after 2 months revealed very high C. burnetii antibody titers. To localize the site of the infection, we performed positron emission tomography scanning, which revealed intense fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in his right sternoclavicular joint; treatment with 200 mg oral doxycycline daily and 200 mg oral hydroxychloroquine three times daily for 18 months was initiated.

Conclusions

Q fever articular infections may be undiagnosed, and we strongly urge the use of positron emission tomography scanning in patients with high C. burnetii antibody titers to localize the site of C. burnetii infection.

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Title: Sternoclavicular joint infection caused by Coxiella burnetii: a case report
Authors: Emmanouil Angelakis
Simon-Djamel Thiberville
Matthieu Million
Didier Raoult
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-016-0948-x

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Sternoclavicular joint infection caused by Coxiella burnetii: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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